Category: crypto
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Google Cloud, CVC strike multi-year deal to scale agentic AI across industries
Google Cloud has partnered with CVC Capital Partners to accelerate the adoption of AI across CVC’s portfolio companies. The partnership will provide access to Google Cloud’s AI stack, cybersecurity tools, and engineering support to deploy agentic AI systems across industries like retail, healthcare, finance, and media.
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Firelight and Sentora partner to bring native DeFi protection to XRP
Firelight and Sentora have partnered to provide capital-backed cover for DeFi vaults on Flare using XRP. The integration aims to offer institutional-grade protection against smart contract exploits and oracle failures for platforms like Kraken and Fireblocks. This collaboration addresses the need for onchain cover in DeFi for broader adoption.
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Tether freezes $344M in USDT tied to sanctions evasion, pig-butchering scams
Tether froze over $344 million in USDT tied to sanctions evasion and pig-butchering scams, emphasizing the role of stablecoins in criminal activities and regulatory oversight. CEO Paolo Ardoino insists that USDT is not a safe haven for illegal activities, highlighting the company’s collaboration with law enforcement to combat fraud.
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Spark soars 73% as Upbit listing and 500M staking, what ignited the huge rally?
Spark’s SPK token saw a 73% jump after being listed on Upbit, with over 500 million tokens staked. F2Pool co-founder Wang Chun’s regret over selling 83.7 million SPK added to the speculative interest. The token’s price surge was also driven by increasing staking and the potential for governance influence.
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Charles Hoskinson questions Bitcoin’s post-quantum security approach
Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson criticized Bitcoin’s choice of SPHINCS+ for post-quantum security, citing limited flexibility and larger transaction sizes. Bitcoin developers prioritize security and simplicity over functionality, sparking debate on defensive design choices and future flexibility. SPHINCS+ offers quantum resistance but may limit broader upgrades, raising concerns about Bitcoin’s long-term adaptability.
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UK fintech Stratiphy restores access to tax-free crypto ETNs via IF ISAs
Stratiphy has launched a new offering to allow UK investors to access crypto ETNs through Innovative Finance ISAs after tax rule changes restricted eligibility. HM Revenue and Customs removed crypto ETNs from standard ISAs, leaving investors without a tax-free route until this structure emerged. Regulatory changes have impacted retail access to crypto-linked investment products, with…
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Uzbekistan opens state-backed crypto mining zone with tax breaks
Uzbekistan established the Besqala Mining Valley in Karakalpakstan for supervised crypto mining and foreign digital asset sales. Mining companies receive tax breaks until 2035 but must route proceeds through local bank accounts. The framework allows various power sources and aims to attract investors to the region through tax exemptions and other incentives.
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Meta deploys employee tracking software to train AI models
Meta Platforms is implementing internal tracking software on devices used by U.S.-based employees to collect data like mouse movements and keystrokes for AI training. The company is expanding its AI efforts through new roles and tools, including an AI-powered version of Mark Zuckerberg for real-time staff interaction. Safeguards are in place to protect employee data.
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BlackRock adds $900 million in Bitcoin as ETF demand rises
BlackRock has bought more than $900 million worth of Bitcoin in five days, making it the largest contributor to weekly Bitcoin ETF market inflows. The firm’s increased purchases show continued institutional demand for Bitcoin despite market volatility. The buying wave has also led to a decrease in Bitcoin supply on exchanges, raising concerns about a…
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North Korea’s Lazarus Group targets crypto execs with new macOS malware
North Korea’s Lazarus Group is using “Mach-O Man” macOS malware and fake meeting invites to target crypto executives and fund DeFi raids totaling over $500 million. CertiK researchers linked the campaign to the hacking outfit and emphasized the use of social engineering to trick victims into executing malicious commands, leaving little trace behind.